On 13 January, an entertainment industry source reported that “Ji Chang Wook has finished reading the script, and confirmed his appearance in the movie ‘Punishment’ (‘응징’) as his next film.” Ji Chang Wook recently met with the production team for “Punishment,” and will soon begin filming in the first half of this year. Glorious Entertainment further confirmed to Top Star News that Ji Chang Wook will appear in “Punishment.”
“Punishment” is a story of a father and daughter’s survival in a vehicle where explosives are installed. A human action genre film, “Punishment” made headlines in late 2019 with the news that the lead role was offered to actor Jo Woo Jin. “Punishment” will be distributed by CJ Entertainment, with an initial production investment cost of 7 billion won. Production will be handled by the T.P.S. Company. It also adds to expectations regarding Kim Chang Joo’s directorial debut, who was known as the editor-in-chief of “Snowpiercer” and “The Terror Live.”
Ji Chang Wook is an actor who shows his special strengths in the action genre. He has performed in many works based on his delicate emotional performance and his natural physical strength. In particular, KBS2’s “Healer” and tvN’s “The K2” are some of his most famous works. Attention is drawn to what kind of performance Ji Chang Wook, who had shown such outstanding performances in action genres that there was no disagreement, will be able to perform in “Punishment.”
14 January Update: Actor Jo Woo Jin (“Goblin,” “Mr. Sunshine”) is still attached to this project as the father, and actress Lee Jae In (“Beautiful World,” “Six Flying Dragons”) has also been cast for the production as the daughter in peril.
4 March 2021 Update: The title has changed yet again to “Hard Hit.” Please take a look at a recent pre-review done by Friend of the Kitchen Pierce Conran from Vol. 38 of the Korean Cinema Today Magazine:
Note: We have no further information on Wook’s character or the story at this time. This is a post in process and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Source: Sports Chosun; Top Star News; Korean Cinema Today Magazine, Vol. 38
Ji Chang Wook's Kitchen 
Really great news to build on an already exiting, packed career!! Congratulations Wookie, good luck & stay safe 🍀
So happy about the news! It’s time for Chang Wook to bounce back after MMS didn’t get a good ratings! He’s really good in action film., that’s why i am really excited here! Luv it! And i luv Wookie❤️❤️❤️Solid! ❤️😊
I am so happy about the news… Now i know why he has a long hair… 😂😂😂😍😍😍Luv it! ❤️❤️❤️
I am so excited to hear this. My curiosity was ready to explode…why the long hair? I can’t wait for more details. Human action??? Just want JCW to be safe when filming in this cold weather. P.S. Cherkell…maybe we’ll have to meet in LA again!
So Jo Chang Wook will take the lead role or Jo Woo Jin?
The title of the movie sounds scary to me, “Punishment”?! I hope it’s not too tragic. I’m glad that JCW is back to the movie screen this year. I can’t wait to see his next movie.
Wow! This is great news! I have missed him so bad after the end of Melting me softly.